Equilibrium Statistical Mechanics - Hardcover

Mazenko, Gene F.

9780471328391: Equilibrium Statistical Mechanics

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0471328391 ISBN 13: 9780471328391

Publisher: Wiley VCH, 2000

A completely modern approach to statistical mechanics

Gene Mazenko presents an introduction to statistical mechanics from the modern condensed matter physics point of view. Emphasizing symmetry principles, conservation laws, and the consequences of broken symmetry, all of which are crucial to a fundamental understanding of statistical physics, this volume discusses the role of broken translational symmetry in treating solids.Professor Mazenko develops a firm basis for the choice of macrovariables or thermodynamic variables, stressing the importance of Nambu–Goldstone modes. He develops this theory beyond the usual examples of simple fluids with discussions of magnets, superfluids, and solids. Based on the author′s more than 30 years of experience with this subject, Equilibrium Statistical Mechanics:
∗ Develops the structure of statistical mechanics and thermodynamics from fundamentals
∗ Highlights the approach of coarse graining in statistical mechanics
∗ Discusses ergodic theory and information theory
∗ Treats phase transitions in a number of specific applications
∗ Includes copious examples and end–of–chapter problems
∗ Gives full development to the rich history of this topic

Look for Mazenko′s forthcoming volumes, Fluctuations, Order, and Defects; Nonequilibrium Statistical Mechanics; and Field Theory Methods in Statistical Mechanics. Combined with this self–contained volume, these works span the entire graduate–level program.

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Review:

“...deserves careful consideration for a graduate course in statistical physics. It covers the standard material in an authoritative, clear fashion, and provides many avenues for exploring more advanced applications....I look forward to the publication of subsequent volumes and I expect that the entire set will become a standard in the field.” (American Journal of Physics, July 2003)

"this is a rather illuminating discussion" (Statistics & Decisions, Vol. 19, No. 3, 2001)

"...This book will be useful for advanced graduate students and for scientists that are working in other fields of physics and mechanics..." (Zentralblatt Math, Vol. 983, No. 08, 2002)

"Through the simple but appealing physical arguments in the book, its recursive treatment of issues...its encompassing discussion of the basic aspects of matter in its different forms and its exhaustive historical references, readers...will find an opportunity to recreate the intellectual adventure of forging a statistical mechanical view of reality." (Mathematical Reviews 2003j)

"this is a rather illuminating discussion" (Statistics & Decisions, Vol. 19, No. 3, 2001)

About the Author:

GENE F. MAZENKO, PhD, is a professor in the Department of Physics at the University of Chicago.

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